PCs promise free shingles vaccine, Liberals commit to Halifax bridge and NDP focus on renter rights
Nova Scotia’s Progressive Conservatives have made a bold promise to introduce a universal shingles vaccine program for individuals aged 65 and older if they are re-elected on November 26th. This announcement is part of a series of targeted health initiatives put forth by party leader Tim Houston.
According to Houston, the proposed program would cost $27 million in the first year, gradually decreasing to below $3 million by the third year as the focus shifts to individuals reaching the age of 65. He emphasized the importance of making the shingles vaccine accessible and free to seniors, as statistics show that one in three people will develop this painful skin rash, with the risk increasing as individuals age.
“We have the tools to combat shingles with a vaccine that can significantly reduce or eliminate the symptoms of this disease. However, many seniors do not get vaccinated due to the associated costs,” Houston stated, estimating the cost of the vaccine to be around $100. He further added, “I frequently hear from seniors about the financial strain that vaccine costs place on them.”
This announcement comes on the heels of previous healthcare promises made by the Tories, including the introduction of a travel nurse team to address staffing shortages in the healthcare system, as well as the establishment of a center of excellence to address menopausal symptoms.
In contrast, Liberal Leader Zach Churchill unveiled his plan to construct a new six-lane bridge across Halifax harbor in an effort to alleviate traffic congestion in the region. Churchill proposed replacing the existing MacKay Bridge with a larger span that would feature dedicated bike and bus lanes. He also criticized the Tory’s pledge to remove tolls on the city’s two harbor bridges, suggesting that it would lead to increased traffic congestion.
Churchill reiterated his party’s commitment to making public transit free across the province and expanding municipal transit services. He also highlighted the promotion of flexible work arrangements to reduce the number of vehicles on the road as part of the Liberal government’s agenda.
The NDP, on the other hand, focused on housing issues, with leader Claudia Chender pledging to establish a compliance and enforcement unit to address tenant-landlord disputes. Chender emphasized the need for such a unit, citing the current imbalance of power between landlords and renters in Nova Scotia due to a low vacancy rate.
It is clear that healthcare, transportation, and housing are key issues in Nova Scotia’s upcoming election, with each party presenting distinct proposals to address these pressing concerns. As voters prepare to head to the polls, they will have to carefully consider the platforms and promises put forth by the various political parties.
